STUDENT ADMISSIONS

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ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Application Deadlines for First Review
Applications received by the date for First Review will receive priority. However, applications submitted thereafter are encouraged and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

The timetable for first review of applications for admission is as follows:

• SYMPHONY – February 15, 2010
• PERCUSSION / STEELPAN – February 15, 2010
• JAZZ (both sessions) – March 1, 2010

Applications are accepted and welcome after these dates and will be reviewed as they are received. Many instrument positions fill fast, so we recommend that you register as early as possible. If an instrument position is filled, you will be placed on a waiting list – cancellations do occur.

2. Prepare a BRIEF RESUME or PARAGRAPH about your musical education, experience and goals (one page maximum). All RETURNING STUDENTS (including Birch Creek Award Winners) must update their resumes annually.

3. Fill in the Applicant section in each of the two APPLICANT RECOMMENDATION FORMS. Then have two teachers familiar with your musical background and abilities complete the APPLICANT RECOMMENDATION FORMS.
SYMPHONY SESSION - All NEW APPLICANTS must have teachers submit these forms. (Returning students are exempt.)
PERCUSSION SESSION - All NEW APPLICANTS must have teachers submit these forms. (Returning students are exempt.)
JAZZ SESSIONS - All NEW and RETURNING APPLICANTS must have teachers submit these forms.
Applications will not be considered complete until these forms have been received.

4. AUDITION RECORDING -- See specific session requirements below.

1. SELECT YOUR MUSIC
2. SELECT YOUR RECORDING MEDIA
   Note the recording media that is required for session and instrument.
3. RECORD YOUR AUDITION
   Listen to your recording. Keep the recording process simple. If you are not satisfied, you might record on two or three different days, listen to all the recordings and submit the best one.
4. SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION RECORDING

• MAIL - Clearly label the recording and its case: 2010 BC Audition, Session, Your Name, Instrument, and Contents. Package the recording in a padded envelope. Keep a copy for yourself, as sometimes items are lost or damaged in the mail. Mail your Audition Recording, Application for Admission, Bio, and $50 Processing Fee to: Birch Creek Registrar, P.O. Box 230, Egg Harbor, WI 54209.
• NEW IN 2010! UPLOAD - Percussion and Jazz Session students only. You must first apply. Mail your Application for Admission, Bio, and $50 Processing Fee to Birch Creek Registrar. Within one week after receiving and processing your registration materials, we will send you an email with detailed instructions on where to upload your audition materials. Follow the instructions carefully.
• Tips can be found in the Admission Materials below.
  > Creating compressed files
  > Making your audition recording

Symphony session applicants All applicants (new and returning) must submit by mail an AUDIO AUDITION RECORDING (STANDARD CASETTE or CD), with the exception of Birch Creek award winners from 2009 and students able to schedule a live audition with the appropriate Birch Creek faculty member. Recording with an accompanist is preferred but not required. The Audition Recording must include: two scales (one major, one minor) showing your full range, AND two contrasting pieces (fast and slow, or contrasting styles) lasting about two minutes each. Please download and read the PDF file, SUGGESTED REPERTOIRE LEVELS, located with the 2010 Admission Materials below.

Percussion & Steelpan session applicants Percussion Emphasis applicants (new and returning) are required to submit a VIDEO AUDITION RECORDING. Preferred method of submitting a video audition is DIGITAL FILE UPLOAD to a folder created on the Web. You must apply first. Once your application, $50 fee and short bio have been received, you will be sent an e-mail with detailed instructions on how and where to upload your aduition file(s). Also acceptable: standard VHS, DVD, or 8mm analog. Your audition recording must include: The state-required keyboard (two mallet) and snare drum audition etude/solo for the district or state festival in your state. (Ask your band or orchestra director about these or check online for your state’s music education association requirements.) Optional for advanced placement inclusions: a 2 - and/or 4 -MALLET keyboard percussion solo or etude; DRUM SET (swing and rock styles—include 4-bar solo/time trades); HAND DRUMS (congas or frame drums); or STEEL PAN solo or etude. There will be a mallet and snare drum sight reading audition the first day of the session for final placement in ensemble groups.

Jazz Session Applicants Jazz Session applicants: Only saxophone and drum applicants must audition unless you are applying for financial aid. All Saxophone applicants (new and returning) must submit an AUDIO AUDITION RECORDING. (BC 2009 Award Winners are exempt.) If possible, record with a live rhythm section (although using a ‘play-along’ rhythm section is perfectly acceptable). Acceptable methods for submitting your audio audition recording are DIGITAL FILE UPLOAD, CD, or standard cassette. Auditions should be no more than 9 minutes total, containing 3 tunes in contrasting styles representing the categories below. Please limit the length of each piece to no more than 3 minutes. a STANDARD such as Autumn Leaves, All The Things You Are, What Is This Thing Called Love, etc. a BALLAD such as Body and Soul, I Can't Get Started, Autumn in New York, etc. a JAZZ STANDARD such as Donna Lee, Sera, Blue Bossa, Mr. P.C., etc. DOUBLING SKILLS. Saxophonists who double on clarinet or flute may include a short excerpt demonstrating their skills on either or both instruments. (Major/minor scales, a short etude or a prepared piece will suffice.) While doubling is an important skill, the main focus of the Audition Recording is to evaluate your skills as a SAXOPHONIST. Doubling is NOT a prerequisite for acceptance. Those who do not double are still encouraged to apply. All Jazz Drum applicants (new and returning) must submit a VIDEO AUDITION RECORDING - DIGITAL FILE UPLOAD or STANDARD VHS ONLY (10 minutes total) containing 4 tunes in the following styles: MEDIUM SWING, BALLAD (with brushes), UP-TEMPO STRAIGHT AHEAD SWING, and LATIN GROOVE. (Birch Creek 2009 Award Winners are exempt from this requirement.)

5. Enclose $50 NONREFUNDABLE PROCESSING FEE for each session for which you are applying.

6. Mail the APPLICATION(S), RESUME, Audition Recording (if required) and PROCESSING FEE TO:

Birch Creek Registrar
3821 County E 
P.O. Box 230
Egg Harbor, WI 54209-0230

Nondiscrimination policy: Eligibility for enrollment and financial assistance is based solely on the applicant's personal qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.